FAQ / Care and Maintenance

Understanding your instrument

Important features:

All Epoch instruments are –
• Designed to internationally recognised specifications and
dimensions
• Manufactured and assembled using the latest technology
with modern materials and glues
• Ultra robust and can be easily maintained by any player
with no expert fitting required for the bridge or sound post
• With exception of the bridge and spider kit, Epoch
instruments use all standard, interchangeable strings and
accessories
• All electric models have specifically designed and purpose
built electronics

What you need to know:

This Epoch instrument is designed as a ‘free floating’ system
made in two parts – the neck assembly and the body.
The spar (the alloy tube which is an integral part of the
neck assembly) absorbs and rechannels all the string
stresses (traditionally absorbed into the body) which has
allowed us to redesign the sound chamber (the body) and
optimise the sound potential.
Movement between the two assemblies is a necessity to
ensure the sound is not choked and remains clean and
even. Please note that under normal playing conditions, the
neck will not move while being played unless the
instrument is not set up correctly.
Epoch bridges and spiders (the locating device that the
bridge sits on) are manufactured and fitted to a specific
design formula to achieve optimum performance. As the
only unique Epoch parts, it is recommended that you keep
a spare of each with your instrument at all times.
Epoch bridges are available in three heights (Low, Medium
and High) and two profiles (Classical and Contemporary).
All instruments are delivered fully assembled and fitted
with a Classical Medium bridge. On violins, the ‘E’ string
must have a suitable sleeve where it crosses the bridge.

Assembly instructions...

1. The neck assembly fits
into a slot in the body and
is located by two dowels.
Clear this area of all dust
and grime and push the
neck firmly into place until
it is fully seated.

2. The spar should be
slightly proud of the end
of the body and centrally
located above the end pin.
Ensure the packing
washer is under the tail of
the spar. The tail wires sit
within the groove on the
end of the spar and slip
over the end pin.

3. Loosely string the two “outside” strings then
place the bridge on the
spider (perpendicular in
the locating groove).
While still under this
minimum tension, place
the two sound posts in
position.
The spider sits on, and
across, the top of both
sound posts which must
be perpendicular and fit
squarely. Ensure it is not
excessively bowed or touching the spar.
The short sound post (treble side) sits on the soundboard.
The long sound post (bass side) sits in an indent in the
bass bar on the instrument back plate (this can be seen
through the "F" hole). Regularly check that this post is
clear of the hole through the soundboard.

4. The strings can now be brought up to tension beginning
with the "outside" strings. Make sure that the bridge is kept
upright and flat as you proceed and that the sound posts
do not move out of position.
If the bridge begins to warp,
it is not centred properly on
the spider or the tensioning
of the strings has been
uneven. Relax the tension
and straighten the bridge
again to its correct position
- you may have to do this
several times during the
tensioning process.

Hint: when disassembling, secure the strings in place with
strips of tape at the nut and tailpiece. Loosen the strings, lift
the tail wire over the endpin and remove the neck assembly
complete. To reassemble do the reverse (this will make it
quicker and easier).

Electronic maintenance...

The pickup is embedded in the treble sound post. Ensure
that the post is positioned correctly, sits square to the
spider and that the contact surface remains free of dust, grit
and sweat.
Use good quality jack leads and anchor them to avoid
excessive movement in the socket. To maintain good
contact, regularly clean the output socket with a cotton bud
dipped in pure alcohol or contact cleaner.

For best results use Alkaline Batteries. Change every six
months, or on a more regular basis if subjected to heavy
usage.
Hint: to maximise battery life, unplug the output jack when
not in use.

Cleaning and Polishing...

Epoch musical instruments are protected by a modern
2-pack spray finish and are not easily damaged.
Clean with a damp soft cloth and a little detergent. Polish
with a good quality musical instrument polish.
Brush off resin dust from the body and fingerboard after
each use. If this builds up it can be difficult to remove
without damage to the finish.
Remove surplus resin from the strings at frequent
intervals. If left, this can build up with strings going out of
round affecting tone and bowing.

Limited Lifetime Warranty...

All Epoch musical instruments carry a Limited Lifetime
Warranty to the original registered owner.
This covers all defects in parts and manufacture excluding
the bridge, the spider, the strings and any damage caused
by abuse and normal ‘wear and tear’.
Warranty Claims Process:
Warranty is at the discretion of Epoch Musical Instruments
or an authorised agent.
Instruments for warranty repair are to be shipped for
assessment, securely and carefully packed, to Epoch
Musical Instruments or their agent at the owners’ expense.
Warranty instruments will be repaired and returned to the
owner at no further cost.
Shipping charges for destinations outside Australia may
apply.

Questions & Answers

What does the ‘Spar’ across the top do?
ANSWER:
I explained in our Dec newsletter that this instrument is a ‘free floating’ system made in two parts – the neck assembly and the body. This spar is an integral part of the neck assembly. It absorbs and rechannels all the string stresses (in a traditional instrument these are absorbed into the body) which has allowed us to redesign the sound chamber (the body) and enhance the sound potential eg our instruments are louder and brighter than traditional models.

The neck moves.
ANSWER:
The instrument is designed as a ‘free floating’ system and made in two parts – the neck assembly and the body. Movement between the two assemblies is a necessity to ensure the sound is not choked and remains clean and even. Please note that the neck will not move while being played unless –
1. the instrument is not set up correctly
2. the instrument is being abused
3. the player is using a highly original (and probably unrecommended) technique

The bridge is ‘floppy’.
ANSWER:
Our wooden bridges are designed this way for specific acoustic reasons. Players must ensure that bridges are upright and correctly positioned prior to playing. This characteristic means that the ‘E’ string must have a suitable sleeve where it
crosses the bridge. Ensure the spider is not excessively bowed or touching the spar.

Do I have to use Epoch Strings and Accessories?
ANSWER:
With exception of the bridge and spider kit, the Epoch uses all standard, interchangeable strings and accessories.

What shoulder rest works best?
ANSWER:
The Epoch adjustable, folding foot model or the Wolf adjustable.